THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cyber Trends – 4/18/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cyber Trends – 4/18/25

by | Apr 19, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy | Imagery Disclaimer

Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.

“There is a very clear end-state to this operation, and that begins the moment that the Houthis pledge to stop attacking our ships and putting American lives at risk.”

 

-Sean Parnell

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • U.S. war against the Houthis grinds on. Tell me how this ends.

  • The U.S. military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen continues over a month after strikes resumed, but Pentagon leaders maintain there is a clear objective: ending the operation once the Houthis stop attacking U.S. ships and threatening American lives. “There is a very clear end state,” said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, signaling optimism that the conflict has definable goals. While the Houthis remain defiant, concerns about long-term munitions usage and diverted resources persist. Still, with no U.S. boots on the ground and ongoing coordination with regional partners, the Pentagon appears committed to a focused and measured mission. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • How to scan a QR code with your phone

  • QR codes have become an everyday convenience for ordering food, accessing Wi-Fi, storing contact info, and more, thanks to their ability to hold small bits of data or link to websites. Built-in phone cameras can easily scan them, eliminating the need for third-party apps—just point your camera at the code and follow the prompt. While useful, QR codes can also be used for scams, so it’s wise to be cautious about scanning unknown codes. Click here to read more.

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • Franklin Graham Delivers Easter Message from the Ashes of California Wildfires

  • As California wildfires continue to burn beyond mainstream media attention, residents remain in mourning and recovery, with many drawing hope from Isaiah 61’s promise of “beauty for ashes.” Franklin Graham, who filmed his 2025 Easter message in the wildfire aftermath, says survivors describe their ordeal as “going through the flames of hell.” His Easter special, airing April 20, will focus on God’s love and hope amid devastation, featuring music from Michael W. Smith and Charity Gayle. Meanwhile, Billy Graham Ministries continues to support Californians through crisis-trained chaplains and Samaritan’s Purse relief efforts. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Apple is anticipating a piracy frenzy in Europe

  • The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has forced Apple to allow alternative app stores on iOS, but this regulatory win may be opening the door to widespread piracy. On April 17, AltStore—an alternative app store designed for sideloading—launched a secondary store enabling easier access to cracked and modified apps, such as pirated Spotify or ad-free social media versions. While Apple previously warned about the piracy risks of sideloading, the DMA limits its ability to block such stores. With “hacking modes” hidden in apps like AltStore Classic, Apple faces a legal and security challenge it may struggle to contain. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Saudi Arabia and Abraham Accords: Normalization with Israel is in Riyadh’s best interests – opinion

  • If Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords, it would mark a transformative shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, signaling a future where peace and cooperation between Israel and Arab nations could become the norm. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependency, and collaboration with Israel—renowned for its innovation in agriculture, technology, and water solutions—could help achieve that goal. While MBS has indicated that progress on a Palestinian state remains a condition, the mutual benefits could outweigh longstanding political hurdles. Click here to read more.

Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/17/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/17/25

by | Apr 17, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo | Imagery Disclaimer

Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.

“Deterrence is not a substitute for defense; defense capabilities, representing the potential for effective counteraction, are the essential condition of deterrence.”

 

-James R. Schlesinger

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • B-1B Bones Make Unprecedented Bomber Task Force Deployment To Japan

  • For the first time, U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers are deployed to Misawa Air Base in Japan as part of a Bomber Task Force rotation, expanding America’s strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific amid growing regional tensions. The move, which follows a training flight with South Korean jets and complements the ongoing B-2 bomber presence in Diego Garcia, underscores the Pentagon’s Pacific Deterrence Initiative aimed at countering Chinese and North Korean threats. Equipped with long-range anti-ship missiles, the B-1Bs bolster maritime strike capabilities and reinforce U.S. commitment to regional stability. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • Tesla’s spring update activates adaptive high beams that won’t blind oncoming drivers

  • Tesla’s spring software update brings a host of new features to its EVs, including adaptive high beams for matrix headlight-equipped cars, improved trip planning with multiple route options, and enhanced dashcam capabilities using more of the vehicle’s cameras. While some features are limited to newer models with AMD-powered infotainment systems, the update also adds quality-of-life upgrades like sideview camera displays, automatic hotspot connectivity, and location-based trunk height settings. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • 2,000 Years After History’s Greatest Miracle, Signs and Wonders Continue at Jerusalem’s Garden Tomb

  • At the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, where many believe Jesus was buried and resurrected, visitors and staff have reported modern-day miracles that echo the biblical events of Easter. From a Romanian man suddenly regaining perfect eyesight, to a paralyzed Ecuadorian boy miraculously walking again, and a pastor being healed of lifelong headaches, testimonies of healing and spiritual encounters continue to emerge from the site. Guides and ministry leaders say these signs serve as reminders of the living power of Jesus Christ and the hope His resurrection brings. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Staying on Windows 10? Infostealers could be lurking, experts warn

  • With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, more than half of all Windows users are still relying on the soon-to-be-unsupported operating system, posing major cybersecurity risks. New data shows 54% of users were still on Windows 10 in March, and 59% of systems hit by infostealers last December were running it. Experts warn delayed migration could lead to increased vulnerabilities and data breaches, with NordStellar estimating 30–40% of systems may still be on Windows 10 at its end of life. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Hamas rejects Israel’s proposal to release 10 hostages in exchange for 45-day ceasefire

  • Hamas has rejected Israel’s offer to release 10 hostages in exchange for a 45-day ceasefire, demanding instead a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the war, and permission to begin reconstruction. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said only a comprehensive agreement involving the release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners would be accepted, firmly rejecting disarmament. Israeli officials held internal meetings to advance negotiations, while political figures called for a stronger military response. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/16/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/16/25

by | Apr 16, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Plew | Imagery Disclaimer

Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, we must think anew and act anew.”

 

― Abraham Lincoln

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • U.S. Cutting Forces In Syria By Half, Possible Ripple Effects In Region

  • The United States plans to reduce its troop presence in Syria by half, cutting about 1,000 forces in the coming weeks while maintaining a remaining 1,000 troops. This drawdown comes despite the U.S. military increasing its presence elsewhere in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The move follows the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of a U.S.-aligned government in Syria, but experts warn it could embolden Iranian proxies and force Israel to increase its military footprint to contain Iran’s regional ambitions. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • A first look at Microsoft’s new Xbox Copilot

  • Microsoft is testing an early version of its Copilot for Gaming assistant, which integrates with Xbox accounts to offer gameplay tips, manage achievements, and install games via voice or text within the Xbox mobile app. The AI-powered assistant, eventually coming to Xbox consoles and PCs, may evolve into a full gaming guide using Microsoft’s Copilot Vision. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues expanding its reach by making Xbox games like Sea of Thieves and Avowed available on Battle.net, signaling a broader push to integrate Game Pass into more PC platforms. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • USS Truman hosts Passover events in Red Sea as strike group continues fight against Houthis

  • Aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, sailors observed Passover with a traditional Seder on April 12, 2025, while conducting daily operations against Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea. Led by Navy Rabbi Lt. Cmdr. Yonatan Warren, the observance provided both Jewish and non-Jewish crew members with spiritual connection and reflection amid combat deployments. The ceremony highlighted themes of liberation and freedom, echoing the carrier group’s mission to protect maritime navigation. More Seders are planned across the strike group, with Easter services also upcoming. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Huge ransomware campaign targets AWS S3 storage: attackers have thousands of keys

  • Security researchers have uncovered a ransomware campaign leveraging over 1,200 unique leaked AWS credentials to encrypt S3 buckets using Amazon’s own server-side encryption with customer-provided keys (SSE-C). Victims find ransom notes demanding 0.3 BTC (~$25,000) but often remain unaware as data isn’t deleted or exfiltrated—only encrypted silently. The stolen keys were likely harvested from public code repositories, misconfigured CI/CD pipelines, or forgotten IAM credentials. Experts warn this campaign marks a new, dangerous simplicity in cloud-targeted ransomware. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Grossi warns Iran is ‘not far’ from nuclear bomb

  • IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran is “not far” from building a nuclear bomb, emphasizing that the country already has all the necessary components. His comments come ahead of a second round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks set for this weekend in Rome, following earlier positive negotiations in Oman. Key sticking points include Iran’s refusal to end uranium enrichment and debate over who will oversee any new deal, with Iran backing the IAEA and Israel pushing for U.S. oversight. Grossi also arrived in Tehran Wednesday and may attend the Rome talks. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/15/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/15/25

by | Apr 15, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Navy | Imagery Disclaimer

Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.

“Only total victory can reward the champions of tolerance, and decency, and freedom, and faith.”

 

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Another US Aircraft Carrier in Mideast Waters Ahead of Second Round of Iran-US Nuclear Talks

  • The USS Carl Vinson has joined the USS Harry S. Truman in Mideast waters as part of U.S. efforts to pressure Iran ahead of critical nuclear negotiations, AP satellite imagery confirms. The Vinson’s arrival coincides with ongoing U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a campaign seen as linked to broader diplomatic leverage. Talks, originally slated for Rome but now expected in Oman, come amid rising tensions over Iran’s enrichment to near weapons-grade levels. Both nations signal cautious optimism, with Iran hinting it may consider returning to 3.67% enrichment levels under certain conditions. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • OpenAI is building a social network

  • OpenAI is reportedly developing an X-like social network, potentially integrating it into ChatGPT or launching it as a standalone app, according to sources familiar with the project. The early prototype features a social feed centered on ChatGPT’s image generation, and CEO Sam Altman has been quietly soliciting feedback. The move could heighten tensions with Elon Musk and pit OpenAI directly against Meta, both of which are embedding AI into their platforms. Beyond competition, a social platform would give OpenAI access to valuable real-time user data to train its models. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • US senator seeks to make Easter Monday federal holiday: ‘Celebrate most extraordinary day in history’

  • Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) has introduced a bill to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, aiming to help American families more fully celebrate the Christian holiday together. Citing that 81% of Americans observe Easter, Schmitt argued the U.S. holiday calendar overlooks this sacred tradition, which is already recognized in many Western nations. He framed the bill as “pro-worker, pro-family, pro-faith” and noted potential economic benefits from a longer Easter weekend. The legislation, now in the Senate Judiciary Committee, would make Easter Monday the 13th federal holiday if passed. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Chrome extensions ask for too many dangerous permissions and see everything

  • Cybernews researchers found that 86 of the 100 most popular Chrome extensions request high-risk permissions that can track browsing history, inject scripts, or manipulate web traffic, often without clear justification. The average extension asks for 6.4 permissions—5.3 of which are considered moderate to high risk—and many pose serious privacy concerns by accessing all visited sites and modifying tab content. While some permissions are essential for functionality, others suggest overreach or potential for abuse, as seen in two extensions removed from the Chrome Web Store mid-analysis. Experts recommend minimizing extension use, auditing permissions regularly, and using trusted security tools. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Iran’s goal to destroy Israel is why we’re fighting in Gaza, Netanyahu says

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited northern Gaza on April 15, 2025, where he received a detailed security briefing from IDF commanders on the ongoing military operations aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and other senior officials, Netanyahu condemned a social media post by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei that called for Israel’s destruction, framing it as a stark reminder of the stakes involved. Both Netanyahu and Katz reaffirmed their commitment to achieving all war objectives, emphasizing the heroism of IDF soldiers and vowing to intensify pressure on Hamas if hostages are not freed. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security
THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/14/25

THE DAILY PRAETORIAN: Cybersecurity Trends – 4/14/25

by | Apr 14, 2025 | THE DAILY PRAETORIAN

Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / Air Force Senior Airman Haiden Morris | Imagery Disclaimer

Securing Tomorrow: Your Daily Dose of Cyber Safety, Tech Trends, National Defense News, and Inspiration.

“Everything we demonstrate we can do with our Allies and partners we can pick up and do anywhere.”

 

— Gen. Christopher Donahue

I. National Defense: Key developments in national defense, particularly cyber and technological warfare.

  • Thousands of US soldiers deploy to Europe for Defender drills

  • Thousands of U.S. soldiers are deploying to Europe for Defender 25, a massive multinational military exercise spanning 18 countries from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. Kicking off April 10, the drills will involve 25,000 troops and feature complex logistics operations, including five simultaneous airborne jumps in Northern Europe and large-scale troop movements across Central and Southeastern Europe. Now in its fifth year, the Defender series aims to strengthen NATO’s combat readiness and deter adversaries with visible, scalable force projection. Click here to read more.

II. Tech Trends: Updates on emerging technology trends shaping the digital world.

  • OpenAI’s New GPT 4.1 Models Excel at Coding

  • OpenAI has unveiled a new family of AI models—GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 Mini, and GPT-4.1 Nano—specifically tuned for coding, signaling an aggressive push to outpace rivals like Google and Anthropic. Boasting improved speed, instruction-following, and the ability to analyze eight times more code, GPT-4.1 outperforms both GPT-4o and even GPT-4.5 in some areas. With 40% faster processing and 80% cheaper input costs, the models aim to transform how developers prototype software and build AI agents. OpenAI says usage is soaring, with 500 million weekly active users. Click here to read more.

     

III. Inspiration: Articles centered on faith that offer guidance and reflection.

  • Trump Issues Holy Week Declaration on ‘the Living Son of God’, Plans White House Easter Service

  • President Donald Trump issued a deeply personal and faith-centered message for Holy Week, marking Palm Sunday with a declaration of Christ’s resurrection and a renewed commitment to defending religious liberty in America. Highlighting the sacred significance of the crucifixion and resurrection, Trump’s message emphasized redemption, hope, and national prayer. The White House will also host a special Holy Thursday staff worship service featuring Rev. Franklin Graham and pastors Greg Laurie and Jentezen Franklin, along with worship music and Easter-themed events throughout the week. Click here to read more.

IV. Cyber Safety: A focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, tips, or breaches impacting individuals and organizations.

  • Hertz says hackers stole its customer data

  • Hertz Global disclosed that a data breach involving third-party vendor Cleo Communications may have compromised sensitive customer information, including contact details, credit card numbers, and driver’s license data. The breach stemmed from zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in Cleo’s platform during incidents in October and December. Hertz emphasized that its own systems were not breached and stated it has found no evidence of fraudulent use of the exposed data. However, a small subset of users may have had their Social Security or passport details impacted. Click here to read more.

V. Shield of Israel: Coverage from The Jerusalem Post, providing an Israeli perspective on ongoing conflicts.

  • Iran resumes smuggling arms to Hezbollah via Beirut’s port

  • Iran is reportedly using maritime smuggling routes, including via the partially restored Port of Beirut, to transfer weapons to Hezbollah, according to a Western intelligence source cited by The Jerusalem Post. With traditional land and air routes constrained, Iran’s Quds Force Units 190 and 700 are said to be overseeing the sea-based operations. This renewed use of Beirut’s port underscores Hezbollah’s persistent efforts to resupply despite ongoing conflict and surveillance. The activity highlights a growing security concern in the Eastern Mediterranean. Click here to read more.

     
Tags: Information Security, Information Technology, News, Security

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